6:14 AM,
Jul. 14, 2014

LeBron James reacts during Miami's game against Cleveland on March 18. Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, right, said about his relationship with James: 'I had told LeBron's guys, whether he comes back or not, I really want to clear the air. It shouldn't be like this.'

Written by

Mitch Albom
Detroit Free Press

As Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert flew in a private plane to meet LeBron James on July 6, he made notes about things to say - things he had been thinking about for four years, since the night James announced on national TV he was taking "my talents to South Beach" and the Miami Heat.

Gilbert had watched this in Sun Valley, Idaho, then dashed to a computer and "in about 45 minutes" banged out an angry letter meant to reassure Cavs fans. In it, he mocked the "King" and his nicknames, referred to his leaving as a "cowardly betrayal," and ...